Our meetings provide a comfortable and supportive setting, free of the stresses of the normal work environment, where participants can develop and enhance communication, impromptu speaking, public speaking, and leadership skills. Members are assigned roles in advance for each meeting.

A typical meeting lasts 2 hours and includes:

• Table Topics (impromptu speaking, 1 to 2 minutes in length)
• Prepared Speeches (3 or 4, each usually 5 to 7 minutes long)
• Evaluations of Prepared Speeches (constructive comments on speech)
• An educational topic.

On joining Toastmasters, you will receive a New Member Kit. This includes a copy of the Communication and Leadership Program, as well as general orientation material and information regarding skill improvement in areas such as speech evaluation, the use of gestures, and vocal variety.

Every Toastmaster receives a copy of the monthly magazine, "The Toastmaster". This International publication contains a wide range of articles on Communication and Leadership, as well on personal development, leadership skills, and other items of interest. In addition, Toastmasters publishes a vast array of manuals, booklets and pamphlets on all aspects of membership in the Organisation.  These are available for purchase by members. See a list of available items by clicking here.

Toastmasters is not a formal course in Public Speaking. The basic program, called "The Communication and Leadership Program," comprises ten speaking assignments. Each assignment deals with a particular speaking skill, such as gaining confidence, speaking with sincerity, speech organisation, body language, vocal variety, and more. Every prepared speech receives a constructive evaluation by a fellow Club member. This process acknowledges each individual's speaking strength, as well as providing insight into areas that might be improved. More advanced assignments follow the first manual.

Ample opportunity is provided for members to focus on particular skills they wish to develop through Toastmaster Education Manuals.

As Toastmasters complete prepared speech assignments, they gain increasingly prestigious awards that are recognised worldwide.

Leadership Opportunities in Toastmasters:
The Toastmasters Club also functions as a laboratory for developing leadership skills. Members have the opportunity to serve as Club officers, where they can develop their administrative and leadership skills in a positive, supportive environment. They learn to utilize parliamentary procedure, to accept and delegate responsibility, and to exercise the fundamentals of planning and leadership. Since Eden-Epsom Toastmasters changes Club officers annually, every member can obtain leadership training and experience.

The organizational structure of Toastmasters provides additional support to Clubs and Club officers. Clubs are grouped into Areas, Areas into Divisions, and Divisions into Districts. Each level has its own group of officers, and each provides support to Clubs. Although each Club is autonomous in conducting its own affairs, it may participate in Area, Division and District activities. Other support comes from Toastmasters International which supplies services, materials, ideas and counselling for Clubs.

High Performance Leadership:
This hands-on, skill-building program requires you to conduct a project of your choice in which you serve as a leader. Reflecting your own goals, the project may be affiliated with your participation at Club, Area, Division, District, Business or community level. The High Performance Leadership manual walks you through the project's different phases, providing study material and activities to complete. As you progress you will learn about:

• The need for leadership, the six dimensions of leadership, your current leadership skills and becoming a more effective leader,
• Developing a vision and a mission,
• Building a team and creating an action plan,
• Helping the team accomplish its mission and dealing with setbacks,
• Analyzing efforts.

A Guidance Committee will be there to provide help through each phase. The Committee is made up of people selected by you to counsel you and evaluate your work.

The Leadership Excellence Award:
Your efforts will be recognized! After you complete the manual and submit an application, Toastmasters International will send you a handsome certificate that affirms your participation and success in this innovative program.

Success/Leadership:
As a Toastmaster, you will be exposed to our unique Success/Leadership Program. The Success/Leadership Program is an innovative series of educational workshop-style modules. These workshops encompass topics such as effective listening, leadership, conducting meetings, training and management. Participation in this program builds skills that will help each individual become a more effective leader and communicator.

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Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself. - Chinese Proverb